Group Counseling: The Benefits

Of all the modalities that I have used in my 37 years as an addictions professional, group counseling has been, by far, the most effective in terms of successful treatment for individuals that are suffering from a substance abuse disorder.  I will provide seven reasons why group therapy is considered a “best practice” when treating addicts who have a substance dependence issue:

1)      Instills hope:   In group counseling, there will be members that are in different stages of the treatment process.  Seeing someone else in the group that is further along in the recovery process provides hope for those that are at the beginning of the process.

2)      Universality:   Sharing similar experiences with others in the group helps individuals see that they are not alone or unique in their struggle.  What group members are going through is universal.  These shared experiences can lead to surrender and acceptance.

3)      Disclosing information:  Members of the group can share information that can be of help to one another.

4)      Altruism:  Group members can share their strengths and assist others in the group, which may also boost self-esteem and confidence.

5)      Forming of Family:   Group counseling is in some ways like a family.  Within a group each member may explore and learn what role they may have in the group.  They can also learn to avoid behaviors that might be destructive or unhelpful in real life.

6)      Catharsis:   Sharing feelings and experiences with a group of people may help to relieve guilt, pain, embarrassment, shame, stress or anxiety.

7)      Existential factors:   Being a member of a group offers support, guidance, encouragement, and a safe place to explore and discover new things about themselves.  It can also lead to the realization that they are responsible for their own lives, actions, and choices.

Group counseling will more than likely continue to be the treatment modality of choice for those that are substance use dependent. As someone who has facilitated over 5000 groups since 1984, I truly believe it will.  There are other benefits besides the ones listed above, but this gives you a glimpse of its effectiveness.  I urge clinicians to use, or continue to use, group counseling as a primary treatment modality and make it a part of your client’s treatment plan for the duration of their treatment, whether it be in a residential, outpatient, or intensive outpatient treatment program, or in aftercare.